How flood insurance works

This is one of the most important things to sort out in times when water isn't pouring into your home.

Homeowner policies do not cover flooding. Only a flood insurance policy can keep families with submerged basements, soaked furniture and water-damaged walls from digging into their own pockets.

Homeowners can cover their home for up to $250,000 and the items inside for up to $100,000, according to Federal Emergency Management Agency, also known as FEMA. Renters can insure up to $100,000.

Be sure to call your insurance agent to file a claim. An adjuster will then be assigned to review the damage to your property to determine how much repairs will cost.

The adjuster will then submit the estimate to the insurance company to get approved.

What if I don't have flood insurance?

If a federal emergency has been declared, homeowners may be eligible for federal disaster relief funds from FEMA.

"Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster," the White House statement about Hurricane Harvey assistance read.

Orlando Cardenas, 53, throws floating debris out of the way as he walks through his flooded neighborhood off Oakland Drive in Bonita Springs on Monday, August 28, 2017.
Nicole Raucheisen/Naples Daily News

Jack Cannon, 14, from left, and Salvador Figueroa, 13, both of Bonita Springs, ride their bikes through the flooded walkway as Jerry Rabin enjoys the scene from a bench in Riverside Park in Bonita Springs on Monday, August 28, 2017.
Nicole Raucheisen/Naples Daily News